Heath Farwell and the Seahawks have reason to celebrate, as they lead our rankings again.Credit: Getty Images

Seahawks hold on to top spot with Game of the Year on deck

1. Seahawks (10-1): Bye week drama in Seattle, as cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmound are both facing season-ending suspensions due to PEDs. Thurmound should be back for the playoffs, Browner could be done for the year. Huge loss there, but the Seahawks are on a mission. We still like them, just take the over.

2. Saints (9-2): Is New Orleans developing a legit running game? Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram are finding holes, albeit against some bad defenses. Monday night’s showdown in Seattle (see above) is the Game of the Year in the NFC.

4. Broncos (9-2): Just when you thought you could trust Peyton Manning in a big game, he ran into Bill Belichick. Sure, his teammates made some bone-headed plays, but the great ones find ways to close out games.

5. Patriots (8-3): Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are emerging for the Pats, just like Deion Branch and Troy Brown back in the day. Plug and play, Pats.

6. 49ers (7-4): Aldon Smith is back — two sacks vs. Washington — and the 49ers’ defense makes them a perennial contender, even when Colin Kaepernick is struggling.

7. Chiefs (9-2): Andy Reid better head back to the BBQ pit and find some answers – especially if Justin Houston and Tamba Hali – their two best pass-rushers — miss any extended period of time.

8. Colts (7-4): We are anxious to see if Indy got bested by a former coach that knew them very well, or if this lack of a run game is too much to overcome.

9. Bengals (7-4): New Orleans-Seattle is this week’s main event, but Cincy-San Diego is a very nice undercard. These two teams can make noise when they want to.

10. Cardinals (7-4): Carson Palmer appears to have found the Fountain of Youth (or Bruce Arians) and Arizona keeps rising up the charts, like a Lady Gaga club banger.

11. Eagles (6-5): This should be the toughest test Nick Foles gets the rest of the season. If he looks good in this one, the Birds have their guy.